Louisiana celebrities endorse Dardenne for governor

BATON ROUGE - Jay Dardenne's campaign announced endorsements from several Louisiana musicians, artists, actors and chefs on Friday for his run at the governor's office.

Dardenne's campaign posted video endorsements from 25 of the celebrities, and promised more to come in the days ahead.

The list includes TV chef Jay Ducote, 2015 Grammy Award winner Jo-el Sonnier, musician Zachary Richard, actors Louis Herthum and Faith Ford, and artist Ann Connelly. The endorsements are part of Dardenne's attempt to highlight his years as lieutenant governor, which is in charge of tourism.

Dardenne said while in office Louisiana saw an increase in the numbers of tourists from 26.3 million in 2012 to 28.7 million in 2014. In 2012 his campaign said visitors spent $10.7 billion in the state, and $11.2 billion in 2014.

Dardenne faces stiff competition from Senator David Vitter, the frontrunner in the race. During qualifications for the November election this week Vitter campaign volunteers dressed up in French costumes and carried signs claiming Dardenne spent taxpayer money on lavish vacations in Europe.

The "protesters" wouldn't identify themselves at first. A Vitter staffer later confirmed they were campaign volunteers.